Read: How Wayne Gretzky and Brian Leetch Feel About The Rangers This Season

Wayne Gretzky is held his annual fantasy camp in Las Vegas last week and was asked by NHL.com who he thinks will win the Stanley Cup this year.

Gretzky, who correctly picked the Devils to represent the Eastern Conference last season, decided to pick one of his former teams, "I like the Rangers. The New York Rangers seem to be poised. They were a good team and got better. I think they will be a tough team to beat this year and it could be their year."

Gretzky's former teammate Brian Leetch was asked, by NHL.com, about the Rangers start to the season and responded by saying that the slow start is nothing to worry about,'Just relax, relax.' They're a good team and they're going to be fine. There is such a feel of expectation level now."

Leetch added, "If Lundqvist is healthy I don't think they will have any problem. I think you can win the Stanley Cup with that kind of goaltending."

Rangers' farm system at the top of the NHL in latest rankings

Addition of Kaapo Kakko, Adam Fox boosted their standing

Sep 5 | 2:11PM

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(Anne-Marie Sorvin)

The Rangers made a lot of moves this offseason to bolster not just their NHL roster, but their farm system as well. And because of that, they're being honored as having the best farm system in the entire league, per The Athletic's rankings.

Kaapo Kakko, the No. 2 overall pick by New York back in June, is a main reason why their ranking jumped from No. 11 last season to the top dog now. The Finnish forward was highly touted as an NHL-ready prospect that should make an immediate impact for the Rangers this season. Playing in TPS-Liiga, Finland's top league, he dominated at age 17.

But there's also Vitaly Kravtsov, the Rangers' first-rounder in 2018, that experts rave about as well. The Athletic has him pegged as a "High-end NHL prospect," after his season playing in the KHL.

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Former Ranger, 'Miracle of Ice' member Mark Pavelich arrested for assault

Pavelich allegedly beat his neighbor with a metal pole in the incident

Aug 21 | 2:01PM

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Oct 21, 2018; New York, NY, USA; A general view of Madison Square Garden before a game between the New York Rangers and Calgary Flames. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports (Danny Wild)

Mark Pavelich, a former Rangers center and "Miracle on Ice" team member, was arrested and charged with assault last week after an incident with a neighbor at his Minnesota home.

Pavelich allegedly attacked his neighbor with a metal pole, breaking several bones and bruising a kidney among the injuries, after he believed the neighbor "spiked" his beer, according to the criminal complaint obtained by the Associated Press.

The 61-year-old went to Cook County District Court on Monday, where the judge "ordered a mental competency hearing," according to the report. Bail has been set at $250,000.

No New York Ranger has more goals over the past three seasons than Chris Kreider's 72. However, that doesn't mean that the Rangers' longest-tenured forward is safe heading into what would be his eighth season as a Blueshirt.

Given the Rangers' salary cap troubles, it's been speculated that the team may have to part with an expensive piece like Kreider to make room for young talent. The team only has slightly more than $1 million in cap space, and still must re-sign forward Brandon Lemieux and defenseman Tony DeAngelo, who are restricted free agents. Kreider, a free agent in one year, carries a $4.625 million cap hit.

From a financial perspective, it makes sense to trade Kreider. However, members of the Rangers' front office reiterated on Thursday that as of now, the expectation is that Kreider will remain a member of the Rangers for the 2019-20 season.

Yet another former Ranger has packed his bags for the sunny shores of Tampa.

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced Monday that they have signed ex-Rangers defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk to a one-year, $1.75 million contract.

Shattenkirk will slide into a top-four role on the Lightning defense, potentially beside ex-Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh. Ironically, the Lightning signed Shattenkirk to fill a spot formerly held by two ex-Rangers, Anton Stralman and Dan Girardi, who were let go this summer.

The Rangers, stuck in a tough salary cap situation, bought out the contract on defender Kevin Shattenkirk on Wednesday, according to the New York Post. The news was later confirmed by Shattenkirk's agent.

Shattenkirk, 30, spent the past two seasons with the Rangers after signing a four-year deal with the team worth $26.65 million during the summer of 2017.

Prior to the move, the Rangers were over the NHL's $81.5 million salary cap ceiling. The buyout saves New York over $5 million on the cap and now puts them just under the league's spending limit.

Disappointing seasons from the Rangers and Devils prompted impressive offseason work from both organizations. It certainly helped that both teams had the top two picks in the NHL Draft -- selections that netted potentially franchise-altering talents in Kappo Kakko and Jack Hughes, respectively.

While they didn't have a high draft pick or significant free agent signing, the Islanders made a handful of moves, mainly in the form of re-signings. For the most part, their roster enters 2019-20 relatively unchanged.

Taking all of this into consideration, here's a closer look at the biggest moves each organization made...

Rangers agree to terms with restricted free agent Pavel Buchnevich

Winger was third on the Rangers with 21 goals last season

By Alex Smith | Jul 26 | 8:16PM

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Oct 7, 2018; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Rangers right wing Pavel Buchnevich (89) looks on before the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New York Rangers 8-5. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports (James Guillory)

The Rangers announced on Friday night that the team has officially agreed to terms with restricted free agent Pavel Buchnevich.

The 24-year-old played in 64 with the Rangers last season, scoring 21 goals and adding 17 assists. His seven power play goals led the team, while his 21 goals ranked third on the squad, trailing only Mika Zibanejad (30) and Chris Kreider (28).

In three seasons with the Rangers, the Russian-born Buchnevich has tallied 43 goals and 101 points overall. Buchnevich has recorded the fourth-most goals and the fifth-most points by a Russian player in Rangers history.

The Rangers just continue to make offseason moves, this time to improve their offensive depth.

New York announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to terms with F Phillip Di Giuseppe.

The 25-year-old played 24 games in the NHL last season between the Predators and Hurricanes. He tallied four points (one goal and three assists), while being a minus-3 overall on the ice. The Toronto native has played in 150 NHL games over his four-year career, totaling 14 goals and 27 assists. However, he's a career minus-15.

The left-handed stick was a second-round pick by the Hurricanes back in 2012.

Rangers officially sign Kaapo Kakko to entry-level deal

No. 2 overall pick is expected to make an immediate impact in 2019

Jul 11 | 2:40PM

Kakko signed his entry-level deal with the Rangers on Thursday, which the team shared via Twitter.

Rangers fans have already embraced Kakko, flocking to the team's developmental camp to catch a glimpse of him on the ice. And many like Kakko for the Rangers, especially NBC Sports' NHL analyst Pierre McGuire who told SNY "I can see him fitting in right away."

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Rangers' Jacob Trouba, Pavel Buchnevich file for arbitration

Trouba acquired via trade in June

By Nick Wojton | Jul 5 | 6:39PM

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Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba reacts against the Los Angeles Kings in the second period at Staples Center. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)

The NHL Players Association announced on Friday that 40 players have filed for salary arbitration and the most prominent name on the list belongs to the New York Rangers.

Of those heading to an arbitrator are Rangers forward Pavel Buchnevich and recently acquired defenseman Jacob Trouba. Both are restricted free agents.

At a later date each player will have arbitration hearings in Toronto. Those have yet to be scheduled, but according to the NHLPA release, league-wide meetings with individual players will take place from July 20 to Aug. 4. The Rangers and players can continue to negotiate a contract before the meeting.

Rangers hope to sign free agent winger

Jul 1 | 11:49AM

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Apr 30, 2019; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) controls the puck against the Boston Bruins in the third period during game three of the second round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports (Russell LaBounty)

Rangers trade LW Jimmy Vesey to Sabres for 2021 NHL Draft pick

Is this an extra push for Artemi Panarin?

New York Rangers left wing Jimmy Vesey is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at Madison Square Garden. (Noah K. Murray/USA TODAY Sports)

The Rangers have traded LW Jimmy Vesey to the Sabres in exchange for a 2021 NHL Draft pick, the team announced on Monday.

Vesey was in the final year of his two-year, $4.55 million deal with New York, so the Rangers created a little more cap space by getting rid of his contract.

Is it a coincidence that Vesey is a left winger and the Rangers are aggressively pursuing top free agent LW Artemi Panarin ahead of NHL free agency kicking off at noon today? Not at all.

WATCH: Rangers' Kaapo Kakko discusses his transition to NHL

The second-overall pick talks about his game translating to the NHL

Jun 28 | 8:39PM

New York Rangers 1st round draft pick Kaapo Kakko discusses his first week practicing with the team and his transition to the NHL.

Kaapo Kakko, the second-overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, caught up with SNY to discuss his first week as a member of the Rangers.

"It was a great week for me and for the team," Kakko said.

The Finnish winger also spoke about getting to know his new teammates and how his game translates to the NHL level.

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Rangers on free agent Artemi Panarin's list, but not the favorite

The Panthers are at the top, with the Rangers and Islanders behind

Jun 27 | 11:27AM

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May 2, 2019; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins in the first period during game four of the second round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports (Aaron Doster)

The top free agent in the NHL market this summer is by far Artemi Panarin, the Blue Jackets' left winger that has been a consistent points machine for four seasons. The Rangers are expected to be very aggressive in trying to land him, but New York doesn't seem to be the favorite at the moment.

According to The Post's Brett Cyrgalis, the Panthers are the leading candidate to land the 27-year-old. The two main reasons Cyrgalis has the Panthers at the top is the fact that Florida doesn't have any state income taxes, and the Panthers have hired Joel Quenneville as head coach. Quennevile coached Panarin during his first two seasons with the Blackhawks.

Why does income tax matter? Florida can actually offer Panarin more than the Rangers, or even the Islanders, when it comes down to contracts. Panarin is looking to settle down with a seven-year deal at $11-12 million per season.

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WATCH: Rangers second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko takes in MSG for first time

Kakko spoke about wanted to take the ice for the Rangers next season

Jun 26 | 10:11PM

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Kaapo Kakko takes in MSG00:00:35

The Rangers showed their draft picks around Madison Square Garden. Kakko says he's ready to play in the NHL next season.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Rangers introduced members of their 2019 NHL Draft class to members of the media at Madison Square Garden.

Among the group was second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko, who gave his initial impression of MSG and the city of New York, and spoke about wanting to play with the Rangers next season.

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Former Rangers D Sergei Zubov to be inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

Zubov was part of the '94 Stanley Cup Champion Rangers

By Tom Krosnowski | Jun 26 | 5:22PM

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Oct 21, 2018; New York, NY, USA; A general view of Madison Square Garden before a game between the New York Rangers and Calgary Flames. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports (Danny Wild)

A member of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion Rangers has been induted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Defenseman Sergei Zubov, in his seventh year of eligibility, made the cut to join professional ice hockey's most esteemed players in Toronto's sacred hall. He joins a class that includes Guy Carbonneau, Václav Nedomanský and Haley Wickenheiser.

Although Zubov spent most of his career with the Dallas Stars, he began his career as a Ranger. Drafted in the fifth round in 1990, he played a pivotal role on the legendary 1994 team, scoring a career-high 89 points in 78 regular season games. He also added 19 more over 22 playoff contests en route to the Rangers' first championship in 54 years.

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Rangers meeting with free agent Artemi Panarin this week

Panarin a top target, but may be tough to lure him to New York

Jun 25 | 4:34PM

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Apr 30, 2019; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) controls the puck against the Boston Bruins in the third period during game three of the second round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports (Russell LaBounty)

The Rangers are making their push for free agent Artemi Panarin, but their hopes of landing him do not appear favorable.

According to Rick Carpiniello of The Athletic, the Rangers are meeting with Panarin this week but it remains possible, if not probable, that he will sign with the Florida Panthers instead.

Rangers president John Davidson, who knows Panarin well from his time as the Columbus Blue Jackets president, is expected to be part of the meeting with the free agent winger.

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Here's the New York Rangers schedule for the 2019-20 NHL season

Jun 25 | 12:36PM

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New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist makes a save against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Madison Square Garden. (Andy Marlin/USA TODAY Sports)

The Rangers have announced their schedule for the 2019-20 season.

Highlights include:

Seven of their first 10 games, and 11 of their first 16 games of the season taking place at Madison Square Garden

Their 2,000th all-time regular season game at the current MSG on Oct. 27, 2019 against Boston.

Three of their four games against the Islanders coming in a nine-day span from Jan. 13, 2020 to Jan. 21, 2020.

Their five-day bye week following the 2020 NHL All-Star Game, which takes place on Jan. 26.

Check out the full schedule below...

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A big-picture look at the Rangers' roster after selecting Kaapo Kakko with second pick in NHL Draft

The Rangers hope they've landed a cornerstone piece in the Finnish winger

By Peter Botte | Jun 22 | 8:54PM

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(Anne-Marie Sorvin)

As the first two picks of the 2019 NHL Draft, the careers of Jack Hughes of the Devils and Kaapo Kakko of the Rangers figure to be forever linked.

New Jersey only ratcheted up the recently dormant rivalry with their Manhattan counterparts further Saturday by pulling off a blockbuster trade for Norris Trophy-winning defenseman P.K. Subban, countering the Rangers big addition on the blue line earlier this month, the acquisition of first-pair defenseman Jacob Trouba from Winnipeg.

While free agency looms in July, the transformational addition of the Blueshirts' summer haul so far clearly was the Finnish-bred Kakko, the slam-dunk No.2 selection after the Devils expectedly opened the draft by grabbing Hughes, the 18-year-old American projected franchise center, with the top pick.

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Rangers have more work to do, but drafting Kaapo Kakko was a 'slam-dunk choice'

Kakko went second to the Rangers after the Devils selected Jack Hughes with the first pick

By Peter Botte | Jun 21 | 9:56PM

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(via Getty Images)

The Rangers are far from a finished product as they aim to climb back into playoff contention in the Metropolitan Division, but they officially have landed their coveted Finnish product.

Drafting 18-year-old winger Kaapo Kakko with the No.2 overall pick in the NHL Draft on Friday night in Vancouver was a slam-dunk choice after the rival Devils selected American center Jack Hughes first overall a few minutes earlier.

"Of course, it was my dream to be No. 1," Kakko told reporters Friday night in Vancouver. "But of course, the second one is also good, and every team in the NHL is a good team, so I'm happy.

"I've never been to New York before, but I think it's coming. It's my plan and my hope I can be there next season."

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Get to know Rangers NHL Draft pick RW Kaapo Kakko

Finnish standout brings plenty of hardware to Rangers

By Tom Krosnowski | Jun 21 | 8:24PM

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(Anne-Marie Sorvin)

Rangers fans have been waiting eagerly to see which super-prospect they would get ever since they moved up to second in the draft lottery in May. Now, the waiting is finally over.

General manager Jeff Gorton chose Kaapo Kakko second overall in the NHL Draft on Friday night, gifting the Rangers a generational talent that instantly slots into their top-six forward group.

The Devils made Gorton's decision easy by selecting U.S.-born Jack Hughes first overall, leaving Kakko the clear-cut best option. Although he went second overall, Kakko is projected to be a budding superstar and becomes the most exciting prospect in a stacked Rangers system.

The former Rangers captain, currently on the Tampa Bay Lightning, was told by doctors he has a degenerative back disease and was recommended that he no longer play hockey, Lightning GM Julien BriseBois announced on Thursday.

Callahan, 34, opened up about his back condition in an interview with the team's website, calling it a "degenerative disc disease," and essentially confirmed he will not be returning.

The Rangers are in the midst of a rebuild, but their latest move already has them trending in the right direction.

New York struck a deal with the Jets to acquire D Jacob Trouba in exchange for Neal Pionk and the No. 20 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft on Monday. Many believe the Rangers got a steal in this trade, acquiring a 25-year-old two-way defender that is one of the best in the league.

Getting Trouba onto their roster is just another positive step for the Rangers, who are impressing NBC Sports' NHL analyst Pierre McGuire.

The acquisition of Jacob Trouba from the Winnipeg Jets represents the start of a new era on Broadway. No longer will the Blueshirts be hoping the ping pong balls fall in their direction during the draft lottery. Rather, they are planning to be battling for playoff positioning as the season winds down next spring.

Trouba will immediately become the top-pairing right-handed defenseman in the Rangers lineup.

"He is a big defenseman, he is 25 years old, can play against the best players, has offense, can kill penalties, and is in the prime of his career," Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton said as he raved about Trouba's skill set. "The opportunity for a player like that to become available doesn't happen all the time, we jumped on it."

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Rangers officially acquire Winnipeg defenseman Jacob Trouba

Rangers deal Pionk, No. 20 pick

Jun 17 | 7:58PM

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Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba reacts against the Los Angeles Kings in the second period at Staples Center. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)

The Rangers acquired Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba for defenseman Neal Pionk and the No. 20 pick in the NHL draft, the team announced Monday.

Trouba, 25, is a restricted free agent who recorded eight goals, 42 assists and 50 points for Winnipeg last season, scoring 18 points on power plays.

"He's in the prime of his career ... we jumped on it," Rangers GM Jeff Gorton said.

The rival Islanders and Devils are also in the mix for Trouba, per the Post.

Trouba, a 25-year-old righty, is a restricted free agent who's been the subject of trade rumors for quite some time. With the Jets facing a cap issues, a Trouba trade might finally happen this offseason. The NHL Draft is next weekend and free agency starts on July 1, so it could happen sooner than later.

There is recent precedent for the Rangers buying out a player to save some cap space, a longtime warrior at that. They bought out Dan Girardi's contract two years ago, and they could very well go the buyout route for at least one player this summer when the buyout period opens on Saturday.

"In all honesty, we haven't ruled it out," Rangers GM Jeff Gorton told the New York Post. "It's on the table. And regardless of what we do with this buyout window, we'd certainly look at the second one, too, depending on what comes up over the next few weeks. A lot can happen."

As the Post reports, Brendan Smith and Kevin Shattenkirk are the two big buyout candidates for the Blueshirts. Are there others? Let's take a look at whom the Rangers might buy out as they prepare for an important summer.

The New York Rangers enter the NHL offseason in one of the best positions: They have money to spend, and are a prime free agent destination.

Some of the game's biggest names, like Erik Karlsson and Artemi Panarin, have already been linked to the Rangers before free agency begins on July 1. The team also scored a major victory in the draft lottery and will get to select a franchise player with the second overall pick.

While the Rangers are expected to be finalists for either Panarin or Karlsson this summer, that doesn't mean they should be done shopping. They have many prospects gunning for spots, but it is a little bit of proven veteran goal scoring that has a way of coming up clutch in the Stanley Cup playoffs-just look at Justin Williams and Patrick Maroon in this year's postseason.

Devils or Rangers? NHL Draft prospect Jack Hughes wants to go No. 1

Hughes and Kaapo Kakko will likely be the top two picks in the draft

May 31 | 8:42PM

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Jun 22, 2018; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the draft floor and stage before the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports (Jerome Miron)

It wouldn't have mattered which team had the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft. Jack Hughes just wants to be the first player taken.

"You always dream of being No. 1," Hughes told reporters Friday at the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo. "You don't dream of being two, three or four when you're a young kid."

But the 18-year-old American center isn't about to ruffle any feathers. Asked whether he'd look better in red or blue, with the Devils and Rangers holding the top two picks in the NHL Draft, Hughes said, "I think I'd look good in either."

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NHL Draft could be spark Rangers-Devils rivalry needs

Devils own the No. 1 pick with the Rangers holding the No. 2 pick

May 30 | 9:27PM

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(Noah K. Murray)

It was a rough season for the NHL's Hudson River Rivalry.

The Devils took a huge step back after making the playoffs in 2017-18, their 72 points the third-fewest in the league, while the Rangers were only six points better as they embarked on their first full season of their rebuild.

But next month's NHL Draft represents an opportunity for both teams to add a potential game-changing prospect, as the Devils hold the No. 1 pick with the Rangers picking right after at No. 2. American center Jack Hughes and Finnish wing Kaapo Kakko should be the top-two picks in some order, with Hughes long pegged as the top prospect in this draft class.

He helped lead Finland to gold at tournament with six goals

May 28 | 12:35PM

With John Davidson set to make his first draft selection as president of the Rangers next month, Kaapo Kakko being available at No. 2 is becoming more and more tantalizing.

The 18-year-old showed out for Team Finland, which captured the gold medal, at the IHF World Championship this past month. Finland bested Canada, 3-1, in the championship match Monday.

Kaako poured in six goals, leading the team, and added an assist during the team's championship run, which capped an historic 13-month stretch for him. He became the sixth player ever to win an U-18 world championship, world junior championship and men's world championship.

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How many players in the Stanley Cup Final have New York connections?

Several familiar faces have a chance to win the Cup this year

By Tom Krosnowski | May 27 | 10:00AM

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(Geoff Burke)

Although no New York-area teams made it to the Stanley Cup Final this year, the Empire State will still have a large impact on hockey's grandest stage. Twelve players from the Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues have connections with the New York metro area in some way, so local fans still have plenty of reasons to tune in.

Boston Bruins

The Bruins have one of the largest collections of American-born hockey players of any team in the NHL. Not surprisingly, several of them have called New York home for at least part of their careers.

On this date: Rangers' Mark Messier backs up guarantee with hat trick

All his goals came in third period to force Game 7 vs. Devils

May 25 | 12:05PM

Feb 8, 2019; New York, NY, USA; Former New York Rangers captain Mark Messier waves to the crowd during the ceremony honoring the 1994 Stanley Cup Championship New York Rangers team at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports (Andy Marlin)

Twenty-five years ago today, Mark Messier immortalized himself in Rangers history.

The Blueshirts captain scored a hat trick in Game 6 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, backing up his bold prediction from the day before that the Rangers would beat the Devils and force a Game 7.

Messier's goals all came in the third period and included the game-tying and go-ahead goals in the 4-2 road victory at Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, NJ.

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How Rangers president John Davidson turned around the Blues and Blue Jackets

Davidson brought St. Louis back to prominence and turned Columbus into a contender

May 23 | 11:51PM

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John Davidson's years as a goaltender and broadcaster for the Rangers made him a natural fit for their president vacancy. But beyond his connections to the franchise, Davidson comes with the experience of rebuilding franchises in St. Louis and Columbus as the Rangers go through a remodeling of their own.

No situation is the same, but as Davidson embarks on the next chapter of his career, it's worth examining the moves he made at his previous two stops to help bring the Blues back to prominence and give the Blue Jackets their first taste of sustained competitiveness.

ST. LOUIS

5 Takeaways from Rangers president John Davidson's introductory press conference

JD preaches patience but also says team in position to be aggressive

May 22 | 12:54PM

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JD returns to NY00:02:24

John Davidson talks about running the Rangers, trying to win the Stanley Cup, the status of Henrik Lundqvist, and the 2nd pick in the draft.

The Rangers welcomed back new president John Davidson on Wednesday with a press conference at the Hulu Theater at MSG. Here are five takeaways from the press conference:

A Dream Come True

It's obvious how much returning to New York means to Davidson, the former Rangers goaltender and broadcaster beloved by the fan base.

"Dreams do come true," Davidson said.

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Are the Rangers favorites to sign free agent Erik Karlsson this summer?

Two-time Norris Trophy winner will be a UFA July 1

May 18 | 7:48PM

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Apr 23, 2019; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) chases after the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period in game seven of the first round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports (Stan Szeto)

Here we go again with the Rangers and Erik Karlsson.

After being linked to the star defenseman when the Senators were looking to trade him last offseason, despite the fact they weren't actually in on him, the Rangers are considered "a favorite" and "probably the most likely destination" for Karlsson in free agency this summer, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

Johnston addressed Karlsson's future during a Thursday radio interview with Sportsnet 960 The FAN in Calgary. Because the Rangers have cap space and the No. 2 pick in this year's NHL Draft, there's speculation that the Blueshirts could try to accelerate their rebuild.

Rangers sign D Yegor Rykov to entry-level deal: reports

Blueshirts acquired Rykov last year from Devils in Michael Grabner trade

May 18 | 11:56PM

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Oct 21, 2018; New York, NY, USA; A general view of Madison Square Garden before a game between the New York Rangers and Calgary Flames. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports (Danny Wild)

The Rangers have signed Russian defenseman Yegor Rykov to a two-year entry-level contract, according to TVA Sports and The Athletic.

According to both reports, the contract has an out clause which would allow 22-year-old, who had been playing for HC Sochi, to return to the KHL if he wishes.

Rykov was acquired from the Devils at the 2018 trade deadline as part of a package the Rangers received in exchange for Michael Grabner. The Rangers used the second-round pick acquired in that trade to move up four spots to No. 22 in the 2018 NHL Draft to select K'Andre Miller. The Devils took Rykov in the fifth round of the 2016 draft.

Jack Hughes and Kakko are the top two players in the 2019 draft class

May 17 | 8:09PM

Time will tell whether the Devils thinking highly enough of Kaapo Kakko to take him over long-presumed No. 1 NHL Draft pick Jack Hughes, but Kakko's emergence over the last year has at least made it a debate.

And Kakko thinks it can happen, especially as he dominates in the IIHF World Championship.

"This is a big thing for me for the draft," Kakko told NHL.com through a translator. "I think I can be the first (pick)."

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John Davidson returns to Rangers as new team president

Blueshirts find their replacement for Glen Sather

May 17 | 3:14PM

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Oct 21, 2018; New York, NY, USA; A general view of Madison Square Garden before a game between the New York Rangers and Calgary Flames. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports (Danny Wild)

The New York Rangers are about to hire John Davidson as their new team president.

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced on Friday that Davidson had submitted his resignation as president of hockey operations after being granted permission to speak to the Rangers about serving as their team president.

"Personally, I want to thank J.D. for his friendship and the many contributions that he and his wife, Diana, have made to the Blue Jackets and throughout our community," Blue Jackets president Mike Priest said in a statement

Because the more Kaapo Kakko plays in the IIHF World Championship, the more he impresses, adding intrigue to the Devils' decision on whom to select first overall.

The Finnish wing, who will go to the Rangers at No. 2 if the Devils take American center Jack Hughes at No. 1, scored a beauty of a goal on Thursday for his sixth goal of the tournament.

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Rangers senior VP, assistant GM Jim Schoenfeld steps down

Schoenfeld held various roles in 17 seasons with organization

May 16 | 8:53PM

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Oct 21, 2018; New York, NY, USA; A general view of Madison Square Garden before a game between the New York Rangers and Calgary Flames. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports (Danny Wild)

The Rangers announced on Thursday that Jim Schoenfeld, the team's senior vice president and assistant general manager, had stepped down after 17 years with the organization. This comes on the heels of Glen Satherwalking away as team president.

"In nearly two decades with the Rangers, Jim made an impact on every level of the organization," Sather, who will transition to a senior advisor role once a new president is hired, said in a press release. "His tireless efforts and contributions were vital to the extended run of success we experienced during his tenure in New York."

The two teams both had tweets in reference to Kakko's goal on Friday

May 10 | 11:06AM

It appears as if there could be a good ol' New York vs. New Jersey battle for Finnish hockey phenom Kaapo Kakko.

Many expect the 18-year-old forward to go second overall to the Rangers, but perhaps it is too early to count out the Devils just yet.

Kakko scored an impressive goal at the IIHF Worlds on Friday, grabbing the puck on a breakaway while a defender attempted to trip him from behind. Kakko escaped free of the defender's stick while also deking out the goalie to sneak the puck past him.

When the clip of the goal surfaced on Twitter, the Rangers tweeted out the eyeball emoji while the Devils tweeted out a double eyes emoji along with a gif of the goal five minutes later.